My most memorable Thanksgiving was the morning my lovely, vivacious daughter, Emily, came into the world. Because we had a little bit of advance warning, my mom moved Thanksgiving dinner to the following Sunday, so I could be there.

On the way from the hospital to our delayed T-day dinner (yes...back then they didn't kick you out of the hospital within 24-48 hours), a severe migraine hit me fast and hard. Mom already had my other children at her house. Unable to function, I had to leave my newborn daughter with her. I knew Emily and the kids were in excellent hands and that my entire family was there to help, but I still felt like the worst mommy in the world.

My husband drove me home, which at that time was only a few short miles from my parents' house, helped me with my prescription, tucked me into bed...and went after some propane. Yep. The propane tank had emptied and the house was freezing. I buried my head under the covers and let the medication do its thing. Many hours later we went back for the kids. I snuggled up with my new baby and hoped she would forgive me for abandoning her on her first day out of the hospital.

This year Emily's birthday is three days before Thanksgiving, but the day after my family is having our Thanksgiving dinner. Happy birthday, baby girl! I love you more than I can say.

Catherine, I agree. It's going to feel a little different this year because we're celebrating early, but any chance I get to see my lil sis is a good day for me. :D Plus, there will be several little ones there, and that's always fun.

Hi P.L.! I've never had oyster dresssing, but I love, love, love my mom's dressing. It's just not Thanksgiving without it. A couple years ago I followed her around with a notebook, writing down everything she put into it. Fortunately, we're blessed to still have Mom with us, so I don't have to worry about where I put those notes. ;D

That is a lovely bittersweet story, thanks for that. My most memorable Thanksgiving was also one where I couldn't join the family. I had been in a car accident two days before I'd been set to leave and I couldn't afford a plan ticket. I wound up house-sitting for someone who was going home, and I fixed a mini-Thanksgiving meal for myself there. I was surprised with how peaceful I felt on that day. Maybe it comes down to "I'm still here, I still have a chance" which I think is communicated in your story. It's a grateful feeling.

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Wichita Area Romance Authors (WARA) is a group of talented authors who are serious about writing for publication. WARA was established to help writers realize their dream of being published and to provide support for writers of romantic fiction. We count several published authors among our members.